Friday 19th December 2025
Lisa-Jane Rankin
“Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?” 2 Samuel 7:18 (NRSV)
God’s Covenant with David
David was, in the words of my Great Aunt, ‘some kid!’ Shepherd/Warrior turned King: flawed, brilliant musician, and the man God made a personal covenant with. This chapter forms the climax to the whole Davidic tradition and brings together two themes, the foundation of the Davidic dynasty and the building of the Temple. In verse 14 of this chapter, we find that David’s descendants weren’t expected to be perfect, but his line will endure, in the words of P.R. Ackroyd, as a ‘dynasty under discipline.’ God’s covenant love will never be taken away from David and his descendants. And he shows this in Jesus, about to be born in Bethlehem, David’s city and Jesus is of David’s line.
Boiled down, David still can’t quite believe his luck that God, the God of Israel, has chosen him to be the one to lead His people, and that his family will continue to be a part of God’s covenant.
If we’re honest, most of us cannot believe that God loves us. We’re not necessarily bad people, it’s just we’re not perfect. We try our best, certainly, but our best doesn’t always measure up to God’s best. This week, when we’re busy with our preparation for the Christmas marathon, what can we give to God that isn’t covered in tinsel and schmaltz? What can our gift to Him be? Some of us could write a love song to God like David, or poetry or a reflection, but in this season of Peace, Hope, Joy and Love, what can we give that’s lasting? The words of Christina Rossetti spring to mind, ‘What can I give him, poor that I am…Yet what I can I give him, Give my heart.’
I’d like to think my heart belongs to God, but in the madness of the Christmas rush, it’s difficult to slow down and just ‘be’ with he who will be born. People often say, ‘Of course, this is your busy time, minister.’ I’ve learned to not answer what I’d like to – ‘actually, I’m busy all the time…!’ But, as David spent his days with God, so should we spend ours. Spend some time in prayer, even if it’s just for a little while. Spend some time thinking about what this season really means for those of us who follow Him. You have been called by God. You have been invited to be a part of His love song to humanity. You need to be in touch with Him to know what it is He wants to say to everyone you come into contact with. Yes, be amazed and thankful that He loves you, and pass it on, so that new people can be amazed as well…
Shall we pray?
Wonderful God, as we enter this busy time of turkey and presents, help us to take a moment to be with you, basking in the light of your love. We are amazed that you have chosen to love us, but we thank you that you do. Make us wise enough to trust in the promise of your Son and that we can remain obedient to our call. In Jesus’ name, we pray. AMEN
Thinking it Through
Can you find some time to be with God this week, even though you’re very busy? What can you let go of to make room for Him?
What can you give to God? Might you be able to write something? Start something new in the Church? Volunteer?
How can you communicate God’s love to others…?
Lisa-Jane Rankin has ministered in Hawick for 22 years. She loves the Borders, her people, her husband and her cat, though not necessarily in that order.